Reading non – fiction

What is non-fiction?
Writing rooted in real life experiences and draws factual information for the
core content
What is fiction?
Writing which is largely imaginative or invented.
Non-fiction and fiction – share many vivid style features.
You will analyse texts largely categorised as non-fiction – biography,
autobiography, memoirs, articles, newspaper features, film reviews,
podcasts, personal letters, diaries, advertisements, information leaflets,
travel brochures, extracts from novels, blogs, websites, political speeches.
Types of questions that you will be asked to do.
(What you understand in reading these passages will also
lead you to Directed Writing)
► Comment on the style and language of the set texts
► Comment on the ways in which language and style are used to present the
relationship between….
► Comment on the ways in which language and style are used to persuade the
audience
► Comment on the ways in which language and style are used to present the
writer’s attitude towards ….
What is style and language?
► Understanding style and language may be obvious but important is the areas you are
expected to comment on
Style – everything that gives a particular text it unique and individual flavour includes
✔ Form : the shape, organisation and overall structure of the text
✔ Language : the vocabulary, grammar, syntax, variety of sentences, choice of tense, register
and so on…
To understand the style and language of the text or what the writer employs, you have to
explore
✔ The purpose of the texts- explicit and implicit meaning if its to persuade, inform or describe
✔ The audience or reader – specific or general
✔ The context of the text – when, where and how it was produced
✔ Voice – the distinctive tone and perspective of the writer
✔ Tone – the feel, mood or emotion present in the text
✔ Formality – language which observes agreed conventions, which would
be used in business or professional contexts
✔ Informality – language best suited for personal contexts, rules and
conventions can be adapted, abbreviated or otherwise altered
✔ Symbol – a word or phrase that can represent an idea
✔ Imagery – language that draws on visual depiction to suggest ideas
 Key reading skills for responding to passages
► Do:
✔ Read the text at least twice
✔ List or highlight key words and phrases before you begin to write
✔ Start your commentary with a clear introduction, offer an overview, provide a framework for your
interpretation of your commentary on the set passage
✔ Focus on what the writer does, the techniques used, and the features presented
✔ Describe the effects of those techniques and features on the reader
✔ Support with well chosen, selective evidence and apt quotation
✔ Write logically, aesthetically, coherently, clearly and fluently which will create links rather than list
ideas
✔ Keep your focus on style and language
✔ Check your work as you tweak (fine tune) and write, carefully choosing your expression with
sufficient details.
Don’t
► Write before you have read the text properly
► Simply highlight or list points in the text
► Assert an idea without a supporting evidence
► Simply “feature spot” – point out language features and techniques without
explaining/ not explaining its effects
► Just summarise/ paraphrase without offering an interpretation or a
commentary
► List point without a link
► Drift off from the point of discussion outside the question
Key skills to be developed for reading and analysis

► Skimming
► Scanning
► Close reading
► Researching
► Responding personally
► Analysing

► Interpreting
► Quoting